Position Information

Current Title Intern-Parks and Recreation

Department Community Services

Division Recreation

FLSA Non-Exempt, P21

Job Summary

The Parks and Recreation Intern assists with the planning, coordination, and delivery of programs and services within the City of Hurst’s Parks and Recreation Department. This rotational position provides hands-on experience in parks maintenance, aquatics, senior services, athletics, event management, and program development. The internship is designed to provide practical exposure to municipal recreation operations while supporting high-quality services that enhance the community’s recreational opportunities.

Essential Job Functions

This information describes the key responsibilities of the position. The following examples do not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent.

• Assist in planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating recreational programs and activities.
• Support coordination and execution of community events, including setup, logistics, promotion, and on-site operations.
• Conduct community needs assessments and contribute ideas to enhance engagement and participation.
• Aid in the promotion and marketing of programs and events, including creating merchandise, developing social media content, and designing print materials.
• Gain exposure to aquatic operations observing and participating in emergency management procedures, in-service training, safety protocols, and overall aquatics facility operations.
• Assist with budgeting tasks, including tracking program expenses and supporting financial accountability.
• Utilize department software systems such as RecTrac, TeamSideline, and Event Bright for program registration and scheduling, When2Work for staff scheduling.
• Support park operations by assisting with maintenance projects, facility inspections, athletics support, and applying industry best practices in park management.
• Assist with Senior Activities Center programming, including senior engagement initiatives and event planning tailored to older adults.
• Maintain professionalism, actively seek feedback, ask questions, and demonstrate initiative in completing assigned projects and daily operational tasks.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Perform multiple tasks in an active environment, use good judgment, and take the initiative. 
• Ability to assist guests promptly and efficiently.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 products and standard office equipment. 
• Punctual, responsible, dependable, and professional; working effectively in a public environment.
• Ability to hear and direct guests and staff in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in public/employee relations and problem-solving.
• Comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to stand, bend, squat, kneel, push, pull, and stop while assisting with programs or events.
• Most work is performed indoors; when outdoors, subject to extreme heat and sun. 
• Work may be subject to time pressures, emergencies, and frequent changes to tasks, working closely with others as part of a team, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and dealing with difficult persons.
• Possess excellent customer service skills and can excel at applying the City of Hurst’s Code of Ideals in all interpersonal relations with city staff and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers. 
• Ability to sit for extended periods to operate standard office equipment, including computer keyboard, telephone, calculator, copier, fax machine, and printer.

Minimum Education, Certification, and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Minimum of 24 hours of completed coursework at an accredited college or university and current enrollment in a parks, recreation, sports, event management, or closely related field; or prior experience in parks and recreation. 

• Must have regular and punctual attendance, reliable transportation, and flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Valid Class C Drivers License

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 Administrative Office Positions: 

While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to perform light to medium work that involves walking or standing, setting up classrooms or gymnasiums, cleaning the kitchens, using the computer keyboard and mouse, reaching with hands and arms, talk and hear, stand, walk, and stoop, or crouch. This position requires occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This job requires the ability to work in an office environment where the noise level is usually moderate. Department must review/adjust physical and working conditions as needed.

While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to disagreeable environmental factors.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the employer's needs and the job requirements change.